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Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among Alcohol‐Using Methadone Maintained Adults
Author(s) -
Nyamathi Adeline,
Albarrán Cynthia R.,
Branson Catherine,
Marfisee Mary,
Khalilifard Farinaz,
Leake Barbara
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2012.00300.x
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , medicine , methadone , depressive symptoms , psychiatry , hepatitis c , young adult , randomized controlled trial , social support , methadone maintenance , clinical psychology , psychology , anxiety , economics , psychotherapist , macroeconomics
Background: Alcohol‐using clients are considered at great risk for hepatitis and ongoing liver damage. This study explores the correlates of depression among a sample of methadone maintained treatment (MMT) adults in the Los Angeles area, and is part of a larger study on hepatitis health promotion among MMT clients who use alcohol. Objectives: We sought to determine correlates of depressive symptoms among moderate and heavy alcohol‐using adults enrolled in methadone maintenance. Methods: A cross‐sectional correlation study was conducted of baseline data from a randomized control trial of adults ( N = 189) receiving MMT in Los Angeles. Depressive symptoms were measured with the 10‐item short‐form CES‐D. Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that pain and social support were key correlates of depressive symptoms. More pain was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms ( p = .001), while more social support was related to lower depressive symptom severity ( p = .001). Having been in sufficiently poor health that a blood transfusion, clotting factors, or an organ transplant was necessary was associated with greater depressive symptomatology, as was having injected drugs in the past month ( p = .024). Conclusions: The findings from this investigation can aid clinicians in selecting clients to monitor for early signs of depression and encourage early treatment for opioid users with comorbidities. Scientific Significance: The use of an interdisciplinary team to care for MMT clients, routinely screen for depressive symptoms, and emphasize adequate pain control is indicated. (Am J Addict 2012;21:S49–S55)